Chimichurri Chicken Thighs are juicy and packed with flavor. Marinated in a zesty chimichurri sauce, they bring a delicious twist to your dinner plate!
This dish is perfect for grilling, and the smell alone will have everyone running to the table. For me, pairing these thighs with rice or veggies makes it a win! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential for both marinating and making the chimichurri sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil. I find avocado oil has a great flavor, too.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro give chimichurri its vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to double the amount of parsley or use basil for a different twist.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to the chimichurri. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar works well as substitutes. Just adjust to taste since they vary in acidity.
Spices: Smoked paprika and garlic powder lend depth to the dish. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika will work, but you might miss the smokiness. You can also swap garlic powder with fresh minced garlic for more punch.
How Do You Get Chicken Skin Crispy While Keeping It Juicy?
Getting crispy skin on chicken thighs takes a bit of technique, but it’s worth it! Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is both crispy and juicy:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps in getting that lovely crispy skin.
- Heat your grill or skillet properly. A hot surface is key to rendering the fat from the skin.
- Start cooking skin-side down for 6-7 minutes before flipping. Don’t move them around too much; let them sear to form a crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Target an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Delicious Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You’ll be cooking the chicken for about 12-14 minutes. In total, plan for about 1 hour including marinating time and enjoying your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Take the chicken thighs and rub this flavorful mixture all over them, making sure they’re evenly coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours!
2. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, let’s make the chimichurri sauce! In another bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir everything together and add salt to taste. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to make it as spicy as you like. Set this aside to allow the flavors to mix beautifully.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs with the skin side down. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes, or until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip the chicken over and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve:
After cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Serve them warm, generously topped with your delicious chimichurri sauce.
5. Enjoy:
Pair your chimichurri chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes. Grilled vegetables or a serving of rice make great companions for this dish. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster than bone-in ones, so reduce the cooking time by about 2-3 minutes on each side. Just make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for a more intense flavor, try to marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Just remember not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to change the texture of the chicken.
Can I Make the Chimichurri Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chimichurri sauce up to a day in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight, but make sure to give it a good stir before serving.
What Should I Serve with Chimichurri Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to help soak up the delicious chimichurri sauce!
